MAY 28, 2018 WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ...

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May 28, 2018 - Accounting Clerk,. Financial Services, EdC. May 14, 2018. The above new hires are to replace staff due to
MAY 28, 2018 WATERLOO REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD NOTICE OF MEETING The regular monthly Board Meeting of the Waterloo Region District School Board will be held in the Board Room, Floor 1, Building 2, Education Centre, 51 Ardelt Avenue, Kitchener, on Monday, May 28, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. AGENDA Call to Order/Acknowledgement of Territorial Lands O Canada Invocation (To be recited by trustees) “In preparation for this evening’s meeting, let us pause for thirty seconds of silent reflection – to commit our hearts and our heads, and help one another to make the careful and thoughtful decisions that will further the education of all our students.” Approval of Agenda Consent Agenda** Receipt/Approval of Minutes: Approve Minutes – Parent Involvement Committee Meeting of March 6, 2018 Approve Minutes – Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting of April 11, 2018 Receive Minutes – Board Meeting of April 30, 2018 Approve Minutes – Committee of the Whole Meeting of May 14, 2018 Receipt/Approval of Monthly Reports: 23 Staffing Information – Retirements and Resignations M. Weinert 26 Staffing Recommendations – Appointments M. Weinert 28 Suspension/Expulsion Report as of April 30, 2018 P. Rubenschuh Declarations of Pecuniary Interest Announcements/Celebrating Board Activities 30 Linda Fabi Bursary Communications Department Good News Update

Chairperson S. Longeway

Delegations Reports Graduation Rate Verbal Update 32 Quarterly Report on Student Aggression 34 Discussion: Board Policy 3008 – Use of Board Resources

J. Bryant M. Weinert Chairperson

Board Reports Board Communications 38 Bluewater District School Board - Special Education Funding 39 Ministry of Education – Special Education Funding Response 41 Ministry of Education – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Response

**All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered not to require debate by the Board of Trustees and should be approved in one motion in accordance with the recommendation contained in each report.

Other Business Question Period (10 minutes) Future Agenda Items (Notices of motion to be referred to Agenda Development Committee) Adjournment

Questions relating to this agenda should be directed to Stephanie Reidel, Manager of Corporate Services 519-570-0003, ext. 4336, or [email protected]

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Report to Board of Trustees May 28, 2018

Subject:

Staffing Information – Retirements and Resignations

Recommendation This report is provided for information of the Board.

Status The employees listed in Appendix A of this report have received acknowledgement of their retirement or resignation.

Background The board’s practice is to receive information regarding staff retirements and resignations at regular monthly board meetings.

Financial implications Expenses are within the existing approved budget.

Communications Employees listed in this report have communicated through Human Resource Services.

Prepared by:

Michael Weinert, Coordinating Superintendent, Human Resource Services, in consultation with Coordinating Council.

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24 Appendix A

Staffing Statistics – Retirements & Resignations Current at May 28, 2018 Retirements: Elementary Teaching Staff First

Last

Position/Location

Christopher Maxine Lori Lori Theadore Karen Faith

Boyer Brake Croken Danylchuk Frey Frew-Paul Howie

Beverley Lynne Kathy Roger

Jantzi Scott Sharpe Skelly

Mary Ellen Margie Emma Janine

Skelly Sonnenburg Steffler Wilson

Teacher, Franklin PS Teacher, Hillcrest PS Teacher, Meadlowlane PS Teacher, Driftwood Park PS Teacher, Park Manor PS Teacher, Woodland Park PS Learning Support Teacher (Elem), Learning Services, EdC Teacher / SERT, Cedarbrae PS Teacher, Glencairn PS Teacher, Brigadoon PS Itinerant Teacher, Special Education, EdC Teacher, Edna Staebler PS Teacher, Woodland Park PS Teacher, Prueter PS Teacher, Westvale PS

Retirement Date June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018

Years of Service 17 23 30 31 31 28 31

June 20, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018

23 24 22 26

June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018

30 34 31 28

Retirement Date June 29, 2018 May 31, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018

Years of Service 42 21 28 29 28

June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018

21 28 28 31 32 22

15 / Subtotal

Retirements: Secondary Teaching Staff First

Last

Position/Location

Robert Judith Helen Bruce Ron

Bendus Brock Fry Glebe Hoekstra

Jim Jason Michael Leslie Heather Murray

Miller Renfrew Rouse Strickler Thomson Wray

Teacher, Glenview Park SS Teacher, (on leave) Teacher, (on leave) Teacher, Cameron Heights CI Special Education Teacher, Southwood SS Department Head, Preston HS Teacher, Southwood SS Assistant Dept. Head, Waterloo CI Department Head, Waterloo CI Teacher, Waterloo-Oxford DSS Teacher, Waterloo-Oxford DSS

11 / Subtotal

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25 Appendix A Staffing Statistics – Retirements & Resignations Current at May 28, 2018 Continued…

Retirements: Administrative & Support Staff First

Last

Position/Location

Douglas Linda Anne Margie Beth Sandy

Head Custodian, Courtand PS Elementary Head Secretary, Breslau PS Head Custodian, Stewart Avenue PS Custodian Supervisor, Galt CI & VS Principal, Waterloo-Oxford DSS Principal, Stanley Park PS

Elizabeth Doreen

Apperson Aspden Barth Besselink Bodkin DawsonCurrie Dingwall Finlayson

Karen Robert Dianne

Gerber Hamelin Kekish

Lesley

Latimer

Virginia

Nusca

Catherine Reitzel Marioara Sordjan Margaret Zimmerman

Educational Assistant, Westvale PS Educational Assistant, Centennial PS (W) Custodian (on leave) Head Custodian, Preston PS Secretary to Coordinators/Consultants, Learning Services, EdC Educational Assistant, Jacob Hespeler SS Chief Psychologist, Special Education, Learning Services, EdC Head Custodian, Keatsway PS Custodian, Driftwood Park PS Educational Assistant (Life Skills), Cameron Heights CI

Retirement Date Sept. 28, 2018 June 29, 2018 May 25, 2018 July 31, 2018 June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018

Years of Service 31 30 28 35 30 30

June 29, 2018 June 29, 2018

26 18

Mar. 30, 2018 June 29, 2018 Oct. 31, 2018

24 30 26

June 29, 2018

21

July 27, 2018

14

July 27, 2018 Oct. 31, 2018 June 29, 2018

18 17 16

16 / Total = 42

WRDSB Resignations: First Noemia Leanne Melanie Rachel Peter

Last DeSousa Gates Hahn Loveman Soliman

Cindy Criss Kayla

VanIersel Williams Wilson

Position/Location Custodian, Ayr PS Elementary Teacher, Clemens Mill PS (on leave) Vice-Principal, Sir Adam Beck PS & Baden PS Educational Assistant, Waterloo CI Deployment Services Technician, Information Technology Services (ITS), EdC Educational Assistant, (Supply) Secretary, Learning Services, EdC Elementary Teacher, (on leave)

Effective Date May 11, 2018 May 21, 2018 June 29, 2018 May 8, 2018 April 27, 2018 April 11, 2018 April 20, 2018 April 13, 2018

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Report to Board of Trustees May 28, 2018

Subject:

Staffing Recommendations – Appointments

Recommendation That the Waterloo Region District School Board approve the appointments to staff as outlined in the report titled “Staffing Recommendations – Appointments, dated May 28, 2018.

Status The staff appointments as noted on Appendix A of this report are effective the dates indicated.

Background The board’s practice has been to have appointments presented for information at regular monthly board meetings.

Financial implications Expenses are within the existing approved budget.

Communications Employees listed in this report have, or will be advised of the appointments.

Prepared by:

Michael Weinert, Coordinating Superintendent, Human Resource Services, in consultation with Coordinating Council.

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27 Appendix A Staffing Information – New Appointments Current at May 28, 2018 New Appointments: Elementary Teaching Staff First Last School ID / Education Centre Joanna

Albers

Elementary Teacher, Sandowne PS

New Appointments: Secondary Teaching Staff First Last School ID / Education Centre

Effective Date May 7, 2018

Effective Date

Nil Report

New Appointments: Administrative and Support Staff First Last School ID / Education Centre Novica

Draganic

Matthew

Fisher

Wayne

Griffin

Drazenka Ashley Christine

Jovanovic Stone Sun

Darlene

Vandenakerboom

HVAC Technician, Facility Services, EdC Grounds Technician, Facility Services, EdC HVAC Technician, Facility Services, EdC Custodian, Abraham Erb PS Custodian, Preston HS Accounting Analyst, Financial Services, EdC Accounting Clerk, Financial Services, EdC

Effective Date May 1, 2018 May 28, 2018 April 25, 2018 April 30, 2018 April 3, 2018 May 7, 2018 May 14, 2018

The above new hires are to replace staff due to leaves, retirements and resignations and are full or part time positions.

Human Resource Services May 28, 2018

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Report to Board of Trustees May 28, 2018

Subject:

Student Suspension/Expulsion Report April, 2018

Recommendation This report is provided for the Waterloo Region District School Board with information regarding monthly and year-to-date suspension/expulsion data.

Status Comparing year to date from April 2017 and April 2018, elementary suspensions have increased by 106 and secondary suspensions have increased by 290. Comparing year to date from April 2017 and April 2018, school expulsions have decreased by 1 and board expulsions have decreased by 3. The most recent month’s suspension and expulsion data is included below. The data is accurate up to, and including, the date of collection. Suspensions ● Total elementary s chool s us pens ions in April 2017 - 136, year to date - 920 ● Total elementary s chool s us pens ions in April 2018 - 112, year to date - 1026 ● Total s econdary s chool s us pens ions in April 2017 - 169, year to date - 1194 ● Total s econdary s chool s us pens ions in April 2018 - 136, year to date - 1484 Expuls ions ● Total s chool expuls ions in April 2017 - 1, Year to Date 4 ● Total s chool expuls ions in April 2018 - 3, Year to Date 3 ● Total board expuls ions in April 2017 - 4, Year to Date 15 ● Total board expuls ions in April 2018 - 0, Year to Date 12 Violent Incidents The term violent incident is defined as the occurrence of any of the following or the occurrence of a combination of any of the following; pos s es s ing a weapon, including pos s es s ing a firearm, phys ical as s ault caus ing bodily harm requiring medical attention, s exual as s ault, robbery, us ing a weapon to caus e or to threaten bodily harm to another pers on, extortion, hate and/or bias -motivated occurrences . ● Total elementary/s econdary violent incidents in April 2017 - 5, year to date 36 ● Total elementary/s econdary violent incidents in April 2018 - 2, year to date 29

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29 Background As requested by the Board, suspension/expulsion data will be presented at the Board meeting each month.

Financial implications There are no financial implications.

Communications Upon request, suspension/expulsion data is communicated to the Ministry of Education for statistical purposes. Prepared by:

Peter Rubenschuh, Superintendent, Student Achievement & WellBeing, James Bond, System Administrator, Learning Services, and in consultation with Coordinating Council.

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Report to Board of Trustees May 28, 2018

Subject:

Recipients of the 2017-18 Linda Fabi Bursary

Recommendation This report is for the information of the Board.

Status The Linda Fabi Bursary will provide funding for students who are pursuing a trade, through college or apprenticeship, and who have not already been selected to receive an award at the graduation ceremony. The Adjudication Committee, comprised of Linda Fabi, former Director of Education, Ted Martin, Scott McMillan and Kathleen Woodcock, reviewed the applications submitted by the following students: Adam Furlotte

Waterloo Oxford Secondary School

Owen Ross

Waterloo Oxford Secondary School

Pauline Ditner

Elmira District Secondary School

Matthaeus Duldhardt

Waterloo Collegiate Institute

Arneze Willis

Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute

Luke Wolf

Grand River Collegiate Institute

Megan Liddell

Preston High School

Tiana Jolaoso

Forest Heights Collegiate Institute

Cheyenne Budimlic

Southwood Secondary School

Kade Chapman

Eastwood Collegiate Institute

The following criteria were taken into consideration: 1. The student’s key characteristics 2. An example of how the student has demonstrated perseverance or has overcome obstacles or made a remarkable comeback during his/her high school career 3. A staff member’s recommendation All ten applicants were confirmed to meet the criteria and were selected to receive the 2017-18 Linda Fabi Bursary.

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31 Background The Linda Fabi Bursary was established by the Board of Trustees in celebration and recognition of the many contributions and achievements of Linda Fabi during her tenure as Director of Education for the Waterloo Region District School Board. The total amount of the Bursary is $2,000, which is to be presented annually to students of the Waterloo Region District School Board. Depending on the number of applicants, this award can be divided so that a number of eligible applicants can be recognized. This year’s recipients will each receive a $200 award.

Financial implications An amount of $2,000 will be charged annually to the Trustee expense budget. This is the fourth year the award has been issued.

Communications The announcement of the Linda Fabi Bursary recipients will be shared with all schools, staff, students and the public via the Board website. Prepared by:

John Bryant, Director of Education Stephanie Reidel, Manager, Corporate Services in consultation with Coordinating Council

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Report to Board of Trustees May 28, 2018

Subject:

Reported Student Aggression Quarterly Data May 28, 2018

Recommendation This report is provided for the Waterloo Region District School Board with information regarding reported incidences of student aggression for the quarter (Feb. 1 – Apr. 30, 2018).

Status Student Aggression is recorded under four (4) categories. They are: No Injury: No injury to the worker was sustained during the incident.

First aid: Applying minor first aid measures like cleaning minor cuts, scrapes or scratches; applying a band aid, cold compress or ice pack. Health care (or medical aid): Worker sustained an injury requiring the professional skills of a health care practitioner (i.e. a doctor, nurse, chiropractor or physiotherapist); services provided at a hospital and/or health facility and/or require prescription drugs. Reporting to the WSIB required. Lost Time: Worker sustains injury that requires time away from work after the day of incident. Reporting to the WSIB required.

Providing quarterly student aggression data as reported by WRDSB staff for the period of February 1 – April 30, 2018. • •

Elementary incidents have increased by 2.8% (14 incidences) from the same period last year Secondary incidents have increased by 7% (1 incident) from the same period last year.

Reported Student Aggression Incidents (February 1 – April, 30, 2018): •





Total Elementary aggression incidents from February 1 – April 30, 2018: 516 o No injury – 389 o First Aid – 115 o Health Care – 6 o Lost Time – 6 Total Secondary aggression incidents from February 1 – April 30, 2018: 15 o No injury – 12 o First Aid – 3 o Health Care – 0 o Lost Time – 0 Total aggression incidents per employee group from February 1 – April 30, 2018: o Educational Assistant (EA) / Child and Youth Worker (CYW) – 361

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33 o o o

Early Child Educator (ECE) – 46 Elementary Teacher – 121 Secondary Teacher – 4

Reported Student Aggression Incidents (February 1 – April, 30, 2017): •





Total Elementary aggression incidents from February 1 – April 30, 2017: 502 o No injury – 380 o First Aid – 108 o Health Care – 9 o Lost Time – 5 Total Secondary aggression incidents from February 1 – April 30, 2017: 16 o No injury – 15 o First Aid – 0 o Health Care – 0 o Lost Time – 1 Total aggression incidents per employee group from February 1 – April 30, 2017: o Educational Assistant (EA) / Child and Youth Worker (CYW) – 347 o Early Child Educator (ECE) – 52 o Elementary Teacher – 112 o Secondary teacher – 2

Background

As requested by the Board, student aggression data is to be provided on a quarterly basis.

Financial implications The financial impacts are covered within existing Board approved budget lines.

Communications A report of all workplace incidences, including student aggression is provided every two weeks to the Board’s Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC). Prepared by:

Michael Weinert, Coordinating Superintendent, Human Resource Services, Shannon-Melissa Dunlop, Manager, Health, Safety & Security and in consultation with Coordinating Council.

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34

Report to Board May 28, 2018

Subject:

Discussion: Board Policy 3008 – Use of Board Resources during the Election Campaign

Recommendation This report is for information. Trustees may determine if any policy changes are needed.

Status The following question was asked of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) in respect to section 4.7 of Board Policy 3008 – Use of Board Resources during the Election Campaign: There was concern expressed that there are parents and students who may work on some campaigns distributing materials etc. Would this clause prevent that from happening? Some trustees think the clause means that trustees can't send home campaign/election materials using students or parent school groups or on school property. Response received: You are correct in your interpretation…these are best practice recommendations during the campaign period. We do not want trustees to use their access to school distribution methods (email list, kids backpacks) to share election or campaign materials either in print or electronically. Trustees can continue to send out information that they regularly do, but during the campaign period, this cannot include political messaging. Of course, we don’t have control over what happens off school property but trustees need to know or understand what’s appropriate and what’s not.

Background Effective May 1, 2018, all school boards were required to have a policy addressing the use of board resources during the election campaign. WRDSB used the template provided by OPSBA. Trustees requested clarification on the following point: 4.7 Trustees will not distribute (print, electronic or other method) any election-related materials via students or parents/guardians. The full policy is provided as Appendix A.

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35 Financial implications Financial implications are not known at this time.

Communications If policy changes are made, the revised policy will be posted on the WRDSB website. Prepared by:

Stephanie Reidel, Manager of Corporate Services in consultation with Trustees

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36

Appendix A

Board Policy 3008

USE OF SCHOOL BOARD RESOURCES DURING THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN Legal References: Related References:

Effective Date:

Municipal Elections Act Education Act Board Policy G100 – Governance Policy - Foundations Board Policy G201 – Trustee Code of Conduct Board Policy 2009 – Board Advocacy April 30, 2018

Revisions: Reviewed: 1.

Objective 1.1

2.

To establish instructions for the use of school board resources by trustees and candidates during the Municipal and School Board Election campaign period. Nothing in this policy prevents current elected trustees from performing their role and duties during their term of office. It also provides guidelines for activities involving trustees and candidates during the campaign.

Background Information 2.1

Trustees play an important role as they are the only publicly elected official with the direct responsibility for the education of our children. The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) actively promotes and supports the role of the local democratically elected trustee.

2.2

Municipal and School Board Elections are held every four years and the Municipal Elections Act is reviewed after every election. Legislative changes following the last review were identified in both Bill 181, Municipal Elections Modernization Act and Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act. The Municipal Elections Modernization Act received Royal Assent on June 9, 2016. In accordance with that Act, “Before May 1 in the year of a regular election, municipalities and local boards shall establish rules and procedures with respect to the use of municipal or board resources, as the case may be, during the election campaign period.”

3.

Definition of School Board Resources 3.1

4.

School Board resources may include: staff time, computer, fax, telephone, cellphone, laptop, tablet, website, newsletter, email, wireless internet, board or school social media accounts. This list is to include any board-issued resource and any other information technology devices given to a trustee for their work use as a trustee of the board.

School Board Resources 4.1

Trustees will not use their Board office or school board-issued resources for any campaign-related purposes. This includes displaying election-related materials in Board offices, board meetings, board events or school-related events.

April 2018

Page 1 of 2 Policy 3008

37

5.

4.2

Trustees will not distribute or use the Board logo or Board telephone number or other contact information, including any Board branding in any campaign-related material.

4.3

Trustees must ensure that all campaign-related material is funded by the trustee in their capacity as a candidate.

4.4

Trustees will not use the Board’s email system to distribute election-related electronic messages and will not use the board’s voicemail system to record election-related messages.

4.5

Trustee websites and newsletters that are funded by the Board, are not to include campaign-related material.

4.6

Trustees will use their personal information technology resources to create and use social media accounts created for campaign purposes. These are to be separate and distinct from any accounts used by the candidate in their position as a trustee.

4.7

Trustees will not distribute (print, electronic or other method) any election-related materials via students or parents/guardians.

4.8

Trustees will not use the services of Board staff to assist or advise in the preparation, distribution or communication of any election-related material.

Other Activities during the Campaign Period 5.1

School Visits – by Trustees Trustees who are seeking re-election may continue to perform their duties which may include their continued participation in local events held in schools while they serve their term of office. Trustees should not participate in activities at school events that could reasonably be perceived as campaigning.

5.2

School Visits – by Candidates Requests for visits by candidates, for the purposes of campaigning, are not considered appropriate. All Candidates Meetings are encouraged and may occur on school property. These are sometimes arranged by school councils and community groups and usually held at night during non-school hours. Consider a minimum of two confirmed candidates before proceeding with the meeting.

5.3

School-Related Events Candidates are not permitted to campaign at school-related events intended for the students and parents/guardians of that school. Current trustees may continue to attend and participate in school-related activities but shall not campaign or conduct themselves in any way that may reasonably be perceived as campaigning.

5.4

Campaign Involvement – Student Students are encouraged to participate in curriculum-based activities (Civics) and democratic awareness programs such as Student Vote. Secondary students may choose to earn their Community Involvement Hours by participating in an election campaign. It is strongly recommended that students not volunteer for a candidate seeking election for their local school board. Any campaign or election activities must be done outside of school hours and not on school property.

April 2018

Page 2 of 2 Policy 3008

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Bluewater District School Board P.O. Box 190, 351 V’Avenue North Chesley, Ontario NOG ILO Telephone: (519) 363-2014 Fax: (519) 370-2909 www.bwdsb.on.ca

May 1,2018 The Honourable Indira Naidoo-Harris Minister of Education 22nd Floor, Mowat Block! 900 Bay Street Toronto, Ontario M7A 1 L2 Dear Minister Naidoo-Harris: On behalf of the Board of Trustees of Bluewater District School Board, we agree with the concerns expressed in the letters of February 26, 2018 and March 1, 2018 sent to you from the Waterloo Region District School Board regarding funding for children with special education needs. As a board that also serves a large cohort of students with special needs, we believe that a review of the Special Education funding formula, which would include additional funding supports for students exhibiting aggression and high risk behaviours in the classroom, is imperative to addressing a gap that exists in our system. As always, our shared commitment remains focused on providing quality education for every student in a safe and caring environment. Sincerely,

Ron Motz Chair cc: Scott McMillan, Chair of the Board, Waterloo Region District School Board Ontario Public School Boards’ Association lip

Preparing Our Students Today for the World of Tomorrow

39 Ministry of Education

Ministêre de l’Education

Minister

Ministre

Mowat Block Queen’s Park Toronto ON M7A 1 L2

Edifice Mowat Queen’s Park Toronto ON M7A 1 L2 Ontario

May 7, 2018 Mr. Scott McMillan Chair of the Board

Waterloo Region District School Board 51 Ardelt Avenue Kitchener ON N2C 2R5 Dear Mr. McMillan, Thank you for your letter regarding special education on behalf of the trustees of the Waterloo Region District School Board. I appreciate your dedication to the students of this province, and I am pleased to respond. Our government is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the supports they need to succeed in school, including students with special education needs. It is for this reason the Ministry of Education is investing more than $300 million over the next three school years in special education. This investment will provide school boards with funding to address current waitlists for special education assessments, increase programs and services for students with special education needs, and support students with extraordinary high needs to be successful in school. The ministry continues to make changes to be more responsive to the needs of all students with special education needs and to increase our focus on supporting their achievement, equity and well-being. Overall, the provincial Special Education Grant (SEG) is projected to be approximately $3.01 billion in 201 8-1 9. This represents a projected increase of over $139.3 million or nearly 4.9 per cent over 2017-1 8; and an increase of $508.9 million or 20.4 per cent since 2012-13. As you know, SEG funding is enveloped for special education programs, services and equipment. Any unspent special education funding must be treated as deferred revenue for special education. With respect to SEG funding for the Waterloo Region District School Board, it is projected to increase to $87.9 million in 2018-19. This represents a projected increase of nearly $2.5 million or 2.9 per cent over 2017-18; and an increase of $14.5 million or 19.8 per cent since 2012-1 3.

.12

40 -2As you know, the ministry provides Ontario’s 72 publicly funded district school boards with additional funding through the SEC to support the incremental costs of the additional programs, services and equipment required to meet the educational needs and to support positive outcomes for students with special education needs. This enables equity for all students with special education needs. SEC funding is incremental to the Foundation Grants and other special purpose grants of the ministry’s education funding model, the Grants for Student Needs (GSN). School boards have the authority and flexibility to use other GSN funding, as well as the SEG, to meet their responsibility to support students with special education needs. It is important to note that while the ministry is responsible for setting the funding policy that directs allocation of funds to schools boards, it is up to school boards to allocate resources for each school or program, according to local needs. With respect to the evolution of the special education formula, please note that the ministry engages annually with our education partners on the GSN, including the SEG, to ensure that funding changes better align with board cost structures, drive efficiencies and support our governments student achievement agenda. These consultations have led to regular refinements to the CSN funding formula, including the SEC. In addition, the ministry receives input and advice from our many partners throughout the year, and we continue to consult with the Special Education Funding Working Group (SEFWG). Finally, the ministry established a Local Priorities Fund (LPF) in 2017-18, to address a range of local priorities and needs. This investment included more special education staffing to support children in need, “at-risk” students and adult education. In 201 8-19, the LPF amount will be $235 million. Once again thank you for your letter on behalf of the trustees of the Waterloo Region District School Board regarding special education, and for sharing your concerns with me. Your commitment to students with special education needs is appreciated. I hope you find this information helpful. Sincerely,

Indira Naidoo-Harris Minister of Education Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care

41 Ministry of Education

Ministére de I’Education

Minister

Ministre

Mowat Block Queens Park Toronto ON M7A 1 L2

Edifice Mowat Queens Park Toronto ON M7A 1 L2 Ontario

May 7,2018

Mr. Scott McMillan Chair, Board of Trustees Ms. Janine Oosterveld Chair, Special Education Advisory Committee Waterloo Region District School Board 51 Ardelt Avenue Kitchener ON N2C 2R5 Dear Mr. McMillan and Ms. Oosterveld, Thank you for your correspondence about Bill 191 and individuals living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). I am pleased to respond. Recently, the Ontario Legislature was prorogued to allow for the Speech from the 41st Parliament. Throne to outline the government’s priorities for the final session of the As a result, government bills, Private Member’s Bills and all outstanding business on the Order Paper was lost. The Government House Leader made an offer to the opposition parties to carry over all bills from the previous session, including Private Member’s Bills, but the opposition refused this offer. The government has reintroduced all pieces of government legislation and all members have the same opportunity to reintroduce their Private Member’s Bills. On April 11, MPP Kiwala reintroduced the legislation, now Bill 44, in the new session of the Legislature. We will endeavour to keep you apprised of any developments in this process. As we have done at the end of each sitting, we will again explore options to make an agreement with the opposition parties to pass some of the reintroduced Private Member’s Bills at the end of this sitting. That being said, we know that students with FASD may require additional supports in order to succeed in school. Although you may already be aware, I would like to share some information about how the Ministry of Education is supporting students with FASD in our schools. ./2

42 -2Students who have behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical or multiple exceptionalities, may have educational needs that go beyond regular instructional and assessment practices. Such students may be identified as “exceptional pupils.” The ministry sets out definitions of exceptionalities that must be used by school boards after determining that a student is an exceptional pupil. The ministry’s broad categories of exceptionalities are designed to address the wide range of conditions that may affect a student’s ability to learn, and include any medical conditions, whether diagnosed or not, that can lead to particular types of learning needs. The inclusion of some medical conditions in the definition of exceptionalities is intended to include medical conditions that may result in learning difficulties, such as, but not limited to, Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder, and Tourette Syndrome. All students with demonstrable learning-based needs are entitled to appropriate accommodations in the form of special education programs and support& Currently, students with FASD who require special education programs and/or services may have their learning needs addressed through an Individual Education Plan (IEP). As you know, at the discretion of the board, a transition plan may also be developed for students who receive special education programs and/or services, but do not have an IEP and have not been identified as exceptional, which may include students with FASD. All transition plans must be developed in consultation with the parent(s), student (as appropriate), postsecondary institution (where appropriate), and relevant community agencies and/or partners, as necessary. Our government is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the supports they need to succeed in school, including students with special education needs. It is for this reason the ministry is investing more than $300 million over the next three school years in special education. This investment will provide school boards with funding to address current waitlists for special education assessments, increase programs and services for students with special education needs and support students with extraordinarily high needs to be successful in school. The ministry continues to make changes to be more responsive to the needs of all students with special education needs and to increase our focus on supporting their achievement, equity and well-being. Overall, the provincial Special Education Grant (SEG) is projected to be approximately $3.01 billion in 2018-19. This represents a projected increase of over $139.3 million or nearly 4.9 per cent over 2017-1 8; and an increase of $508.9 million or 20.4 per cent since 2012-13. As you know, SEG funding is enveloped for special education programs, services and equipment. Any unspent special education funding must be treated as deferred revenue for special education. .13

43 -3We also know that good schools become great schools when parents and families are engaged in their children’s learning. That is why we have invested over $68 million since 2005 to support parent engagement initiatives. This funding supports: o o

o

Parent Involvement Committees (PIC5) and school councils 20,000 Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants at both the school council and regional/provincial levels Parent engagement initiatives led by the four provincial parent organizations

Thank you again for taking the time to write. I hope you find this information helpful. Sincerely,

Indira Naidoo-Harris Minister of Education Minister Responsible for Early Years and Child Care